(Newswire.net — May 10, 2020) –Electronic cigarettes are relatively new devices that are often used for various reasons. If you want to know more about these devices, here is everything we know about them.
What is an electronic cigarette?
An electronic cigarette is a device that is utilized by people to heat liquid into an inhalable vapor. As the name suggests, it is meant to produce a similar experience to the regular cigarette; however, it is powered by batteries. This device is also known as e-cigarette, vape, or e-cig.
Generally, the vapor of e-cigs comprises a wide range of ingredients such as nicotine, flavorings, toxins, and so on. As a result of the similarity between these devices and the normal cigarettes, they are controlled like other tobacco products by the government. Hence, in the US and many other countries, these products are only available for individuals that are 18 years or older.
What are the substances inside electronic cigarettes? What are their possible harmful effects?
- Nicotine
Nicotine is perhaps the most common substance of e-cigs. It should be noted that nicotine is an addictive substance that is found inside the majority of the tobacco product. Hence, like normal cigarettes, people can become addicted to electronic cigarettes.
The addiction is mainly associated with the compromised reward system of the brain that makes it difficult for users to stop taking it. Also, addiction to e-cigarettes makes an individual susceptible to using other drugs.
Studies have shown that addiction to nicotine can lead to a wide range of long-term health problems. One of these issues is its effects on developing babies. Nicotine can also have an adverse impact on the development of brains in children as well as young adults.
- Propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin
Propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin can also be found inside e-cigs. They are known to generate theatrical fog which increases the risk of the irritation of the airway and lungs.
- Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde can be formed inside the e-cig if there is an overheating of the e-liquid. Similarly, this substance can also form if enough liquid does not get to the heating part of the device. Notably, formaldehyde has been found to cause cancer.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Depending on the specific brand, an electronic cigarette may contain VOCs, which are known to cause an array of health problems. These problems include nausea, throat, eye and nose irritation, and headache. Extended exposure to VOCs can harm the nervous system, kidney, and liver.
- Flavors
To make e-cigs more palatable for the users, flavoring chemicals are usually added to them. While there are different types of flavors, some of them have diacetyl, which is a chemical that may cause a severe lung disorder known as bronchiolitis obliterans. Therefore, exposure to this chemical via e-cigs can damage the lung.
Can electronic cigarettes harm a secondhand user?
If you stay around people that smoke e-cigs, you are exposing yourself to secondhand vapor or aerosol. This secondhand exposure can cause various forms of damages to the organs in your body. So, ensure that you protect yourself from exposure to these substances.
Can electronic cigarettes assist to quit smoking?
In many cases, people assume that smoking an e-cigarette is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco. Also, many people start smoking e-cigs as a way to quit smoking. However, this is not advisable as a lot of substances inside these devices are harmful to your body. Although various studies are currently being carried out on the effects of e-cigs on quitting smoking tobacco, there is no evidence. Also, FDA and health professionals have not approved its use for people that want to quit smoking. Therefore, you should avoid getting into another addiction as you try to quit smoking. Instead of e-cigarettes, learn about other proven methods from your physician.
Can electronic cigarettes explode?
Since e-cigarettes are electronic devices, they can explode. Nevertheless, you should note that the explosion only occurs in a few circumstances. The explosions usually take place when the batteries are bad or poorly handled. Make sure you learn the safety tips for using e-cigarettes before handling them.
Can electronic cigarettes cause cancer?
Aerosols that are produced by electronic cigarettes are capable of causing cancer. Nonetheless, only a small amount of this substance is inside an e-cig; hence, only regular and long-term use of the device can lead to cancer.
With tons of studies going on concerning e-cigarettes, there are still a lot of things to be known about these devices. However, the few facts about them have shown that they may be harmful to people, especially developing babies, children, and young adults.